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Celebrating Constitution Day

On September 16, Northern State University’s History Department will recognize and celebrate Constitution Day, a federal observance of the signing of the U.S. Constitution, with multiple Constitution-related events to be held around campus.On September 17, 1787, the U.S. Constitution was signed, and it was vital in the United States becoming a nation after gaining independence from Great Britain.Constitution Day typically is celebrated on September 17. However, since September 17 falls on a Saturday this year it will be celebrated a day early.In recognition of Constitution Day, some NSU offices will be decorated in red, white, and blue. In addition, in further celebration, there will be more than the usual amount of American flags displayed on campus. A few students will also be dressed up as Uncle Sam and the Statue of Liberty.Around lunch time on Constitution Day, the League of Women Voters will be stationed in the Student Center to allow people the opportunity to register to vote. Also in the Student Center around the same time, the Dacotah Prairie Museum will host an exhibit on the Constitution and voting, and the Exchange Club will provide an exhibition of a copy of the Constitution.At 4:30, the American Legion, the nation’s largest wartime veterans service organization, along with the Exchange Club and the Boy Scouts of America will hold a flag retirement ceremony at the sand volleyball court behind the Mewaldt-Jensen Building. At the ceremony, both old and worn-out flags will be burned.More Constitution Day events will be celebrated later in the day. NSU Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Brian Bengs, who served in the military, will present on war powers and NATO in MJ 204 at 7:00p.m.Throughout the week, the Beulah Williams Library will host “Your Obedient Servant,” a display in the round room of items related to Alexander Hamilton.NSU Professor of History, Ric Dias who considers himself the “Czar of Constitution Day,” wanted to make an important reminder to the students, faculty, and Aberdeen and Northern community. Dr. Dias notes, “On this Constitution Day, I want people to remember that this document, the United States Constitution, is still relevant to people’s lives.”You can find more information on Constitution Day and take a fun interactive quiz on Northern’s Constitution Day webpage HERE.Be sure to check out all of the fun and interesting Constitution Day events happening around campus September 16.